A nationwide search is on for a new top cop in Swansboro after the town’s longtime police chief asked to step down last week, town officials said Friday.

Ed Parrish began his law enforcement with the SPD in 1990 and has been chief since 2005. He asked the town council to allow him to step down as chief but maintain a diminished leadership role within the department.

Parrish — who is on vacation and could not be reached — was made a lieutenant in the department earlier this week. He will retain his $56,000 annual salary, according to town officials.

In his letter to the town council, Parrish cited personal reasons for his request. His wife, Julie, died earlier this year after a battle with cancer.

“Due to personal and professional demands, energy and time for the position, I am requesting a lower level of leadership with the Swansboro Police Department,” Parrish stated in his letter to the town council. He said the department was progressing in a direction that needed additional attention and energy he couldn’t provide.

Parrish said he wanted to thank the town for allowing him the chance to lead a department full of talented law enforcement officers.

Swansboro Mayor Scott Chadwick said the town would soon be advertising for qualified applicants to submit their resumes for consideration. In the meantime, Sgt. Dwayne Taylor and detective Ken Jackson will be operating the 11-officer department. An interim chief is expected to be named in the next few weeks.

“Ed has been with the town for 22 years and as chief has built a good police department,” Chadwick said. “He has provided great service to the town and has always been on call. He has given everything he could.”

Contact Daily News Senior Reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8455 or lindell.kay@jdnews.com. Follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook @ 1lindell.